Records of divorce in Kitsap County, Washington, are available through several channels. KitsapCourt.us allows for quick access to public information on divorce cases in this county. Additionally, records can be obtained directly from the court that issued the decision, at the county clerk's office, or at the Washington State Department of Vital Records. Online searches through state court portals, mail requests, and in-person inquiries are all viable methods to obtain the necessary documents.
Kitsap Divorce Records Search
In Washington State, divorce cases are handled by the Superior Court — a court of general jurisdiction. Kitsap County Superior Court manages all family cases, including divorces, and this is where court materials are stored. The Kitsap County Clerk's Office is responsible for receiving, processing, and permanently storing Superior Court documents.
The collection of divorce records includes:
- Divorce decrees
- Settlement agreements
- Custody orders
- Petitions and responses
- Related procedural documents
Separate from court materials, the Washington State Department of Health maintains divorce certificates as part of the state's vital records. This document confirms the fact of divorce but does not contain case details.
Kitsap County Clerk's Office
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Kitsap
When a Superior Court judge signs a divorce decree, the county clerk registers it as an official court record. This means that the complete set of case materials — from the initial petition to the final decree — is stored at the clerk's office. Archived cases, starting from 1973, are also available through the Washington State Digital Archives.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health maintains a separate registry. It includes a short form — the divorce certificate — which records the names of the parties, the date, and the county of divorce without procedural details.
Where to Go Depending on Your Needs
| What You Need | Where to Go | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Complete court case materials, copy of decree, property agreement | Kitsap County Clerk's Office | (360) 337-7164 |
| Divorce certificate (vital record) | Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics | (360) 236-4300 |
To search for basic case information — number, date, names of the parties — use the Washington State Courts online search. Data is updated daily. However, copies of documents from the case itself cannot be ordered through this portal — for that, you need to contact the clerk directly.
To order copies of court documents, you can submit a request online, by mail, or in person. On the clerk's website, you need to select "Superior Court Records" from the dropdown menu and specify the case number.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Kitsap
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (Kitsap County Clerk) | $0.50 per page | 3–5 business days |
| Certified copy of court document (Kitsap County Clerk) | $5.00 per document plus $0.50 for each additional page | 3–5 business days |
| Divorce certificate (Department of Health) | $25.00 | 2–3 weeks if ordered by mail |
| Expedited certificate processing (Department of Health) | $25.00 + additional fee for expedited service | 1–2 business days if ordered online |